Residents of Belong Village Put Their Best Feet Forward at Dementia-Friendly Movement Sessions

Customers of specialist care village, Belong Crewe, have been honing their dancing skills at dementia-friendly movement sessions which are held weekly at the village.

The classes are led by Cheshire Dance practitioners, thanks to investment from Cheshire East Council Participatory budget scheme and are specifically tailored to older people with dementia. Belong colleagues are also on hand to support participants and help them to gradually build up their skills and to engage physically, socially and emotionally through movement and dance.

Gentle movement has been proven to hold many benefits for people with dementia including enhancing flexibility, improving sleeping patterns and increasing social interaction, self-expression and confidence.

Belong Crewe resident Vicki King, said: “In the sessions we have to listen hard and really concentrate on what the instructor is saying – I have learned that you can do anything that you really want to do, once you put your mind to it, give it a go and gain confidence. Movement makes me feel good; very important and fulfilled.”

Belong Crewe experience coordinator, Sharon Bull, added: “Residents are having a wonderful time at the dementia-friendly movement sessions. It is often thought that people living with the condition can no longer take part in activities that they used to enjoy, so it is wonderful to see residents having such a great time at these classes.”